Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1389428
38 or found themselves with more free time to hone their ideas during the pandemic. Now, they just need a little help in the right direction. "I know there are lot of minorities out there with ideas, but who need resources to get their ideas going," he said, citing NewTown Macon as a key help to him. A graduate of the Downtown Diversity Initiative hosted by NewTown Macon and the Macon Black Pages, Ford said he benefitted from the classes and workshops with other small business owners. "A lot of times we think we have it all together, but sometimes when we talk to other people, it sheds light on things that maybe have been overlooked," he said. "NewTown is an incredible resource. Even though I had my business plan, in talking to them I added and took away a few things. It helped open my eyes to blind spots I maybe had initially." Bethany Rogers, executive director of NewTown Loans, said they are constantly striving to support new business owners and increase black- owned businesses downtown. "It is imperative that we continue to provide pathways of ownership to our aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and developers of color in Macon's urban core and beyond," she said. "The more we diversify our business ownership, the more of our Middle Georgia community we attract to support all of our downtown businesses. And an inclusive and accessible downtown also promotes ABOVE: TIARA GROCE, OWNER OF X-ART SIP AND PAINT LOUNGE ON CHERRY STREET. RIGHT: COMMANDER IN CHIC BOUTIQUE IS LOCATED ON COTTON AVENUE. PHOTO BY JESSICA WHITLEY